Previously posted Dec 27, 2010True Links-An Illustrated Guide to the Glories of the World’s 246 Links Courses was mentioned in my post of Nov 01 with the heading, Golf: 'True Links' - Best Buy Book For Christmas and now thanks to Santa Claus, well in truth it was actually obtained by a good friend who picked up a copy of the book while in the States. I now have a copy.As someone who lives in New Zealand I was immediately drawn to the chapter featuring New Zealand and got this surprise in the opening comments.‘If asked what country outside the British Isles boasts the most links courses, few people would answer New Zealand, but that is indeed the case. Nine courses here are bona fide links, and several others come close.’George Pepper when asked, “So how do we define a genuine links' course?”Answer: "Our first step was to agree on a definition—not of links per se but of linksland. As our basis we used the British Golf Museum’s definition which describes linksland as "a stretch of land near the coast on which the game is played, characterized by undulating terrain, often associated with dunes, infertile sandy soil, and indigenous grasses such as marram, sea lyme, and the fescues and bents which, when properly managed, produce the fine, textured, tight turf for which links are famed."Muriwai was also mentioned in my post and I have to assume it was one of the ‘several others’, which came close. And although not specifically mentioned in True Links it’s my guess that one of the reasons it is denied inclusion is the type of grass on the fairways. And yet when it comes to describing Humewood, South Africa’s only true links it’s written that, “Kikuyu and Bermuda grass-two notoriously poor links grasses-cover the fairways, and yet these fairways bounce and roll as if they were in Great Britain.’

Another reason for excluding Muriwai is perhaps the presence of the many magnificent and towering Norfolk Pines. Too many trees, I seem to recall was the reason why Scotscraig in Scotland isn't included in True Links.

When keeping in mind it’s the type of golf course and not its claim to fame that’s the criterion then maybe it should come as no surprise when being informed of the nine NZ links courses.What is a surprise, and will be welcomed by golfers in the “Mainland”: The name those in the far less populated South Island call their part of Kiwiland. There is only one club in the North Island that meets the links criteria. And that’s Paraparaumu.But wait there’s more and more surprises especially when the reader is advised that 18-holes is not mandatory for inclusion. And having played several of the lesser-known courses I’d have to say I did get the feel of playing on a links course.The other courses are, Chisholm Park, Hokitika, Karamea, Nelson, Otakou, Southland (Oreti Sands), Takaka and Westport.Presumably having delighted the “Mainlanders” with the knowledge of the abundance links courses in their part of the world. All Kiwis will be pleased to read that, ‘Australia…Despite being nearly thirty times the size of New Zealand and having six thousand more miles of coastline, Australia harbors fewer links courses.’And now a final word for those travelling to New Zealand and for Kiwi golfers who spend thousands of dollars travelling half way round the world to play links golf in Bonnie Scotland while there are many in their own backyard. This comment from True Links about New Zealand links courses."In that sense they have remained true, unspoiled links. In contrast to other areas of the globe, where overwatering, overplanting, and overmanicuring have destroyed much of the original character, the New Zealand links are true to their roots.”

Thought for the day from True Links about one of my favourite true links courses, The Machrie on the Isle of Islay.‘Machrie is a glorious test of links golf played in wild and remote surroundings…’